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<\/a>This guide made possible by Travel Associates<\/p><\/div>\n
Must Do: <\/span><\/p>\nFlorence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and an art (and wine) lover\u2019s dream destination. Located in the Tuscany region, this is exactly where you want to be to indulge the senses. With so much available, here are our top 10 \u2018must-do\u2019 experiences: <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Visit Ponte Vecchio<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This remarkable bridge over the Arno River is laden with jewellery shops and while up close it might not seem so spectacular, viewing it from a distance, you\u2019ll see why it\u2019s one of the most photographed icons. \u00a0The best photos are from Ponte Santa Trinita. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Visit Piazzale Michelangelo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Enjoy the very best panoramic city view from this spot in Oltrano just in the historic district. The square, dedicated to artist Michelangelo showcases bronze sculptures of many of his famous pieces found in the museums of Florence, including the famous \u2018David\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- See Michelangelo’s David <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Visit the Accademia Gallery, located near Piazza San Marco for the authentic sculpture of \u2018David\u2019, you\u2019ll find a few replicas throughout the city including the most photographed on Piazza della Signoria, and at Piazzale Michelangelo, but this one is the real deal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Eat, Eat, Eat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Visit the San Lorenzo Market or the Mercato Centrale and eat, eat, eat (then have some gelato). You\u2019ll find a huge assortment of regional produce and street food vendors serving up more than you can imagine possible. \u00a0Mercato Centrale\u2019s upstairs food court is foodie heaven. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Tuscan wine tasting <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Whether you\u2019ve organised a formal day tour, a walking wine tour visiting some of the city\u2019s more popular enotecas, or creating your own wine itinerary, Florence is full of boutique wine bars. Many of them have wine cellars with bottles by the hundreds. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Go to the Duomo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Considered the heart of the city, The Duomo, bell tower and Baptistry are all here. These impressive architectural masterpieces are pretty fascinating even if you aren\u2019t religious. Don\u2019t miss the bronze door of the Baptistry or \u2018Gates of Paradise\u2019. Entry to the Cathedral is free. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Wake up early <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Wake up bright and early well before the tourists do. You\u2019ll likely be awake with jet lag anyway. Put on your walking shoes and stroll the city with your camera. You\u2019ll get your best photos of the city when it’s quiet, still and empty.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- See the masterpieces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Enjoy the Renaissance classics at the Uffizi Gallery where you\u2019ll find so much artwork you\u2019ll need a full day to get through it all, so plan accordingly or strategically. More popular pieces include Botticelli\u2019s \u2018The Birth of Venus\u2019 and da Vinci\u2019s \u2018Annunciation\u2019. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Take a cooking class<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
You\u2019ll find plenty of different classes to choose from, some include full day tours to farmhouses and produce markets others are local inside the Mercato Centrale. Either way, you can learn how to make the signature Florentine steak, pizza, gelato, classic pastas and more. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Wander and shop in Oltrarno <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The quieter side of Florence on the other side of the river is the historic centre and a quaint local neighbourhood full of shopping, galleries and cafes. Visit Boboli Gardens; an 11 acre park and botanic garden that\u2019s full of outdoor sculptures and a grotto. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Sleep:<\/span><\/p>\nWhen you\u2019ve exhausted yourself with all there is to see in Florence, you\u2019ll need a place to rest and recharge. Here are a few luxury and boutique properties in the region and why you\u2019re going to want to call them home when visiting. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Hotel Rivoli <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This boutique property was once a fourteenth-century Franciscan monastery and has a quaint sitting rooms and a \u2018secret garden\u2019 courtyard that\u2019s ideal for relaxing. Weather permitting; the garden is a lovely spot for dinner served up by in-house Ristorante Benedicta. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Santa Maria Novella Hotel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The rooftop terrace and bar at this 4-star property has fabulous city views, especially of the Basilica Santa Maria Novella. It\u2019s located right in the heart of Florence; walking distance to most everything you\u2019ll want to see and just steps from Florence\u2019s central train station. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Hotel Brunelleschi<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This elegant and very romantic property is located in the historic district once owned by popular Renaissance architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi. Popular with honeymooners, it\u2019s also located in the central part of the city, close to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Bernini Palace Hotel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Perfectly located for those keen to do some serious high-end shopping, luxury brand lined street, via de\u2019 Tornabuoni, is just a short stroll away. The 5<\/span>th<\/span> floor terrace is a wonderful spot to enjoy a bottle of Tuscan wine from the bar. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Golden Tower Hotel & Spa<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The home of the historic Strozzi family until 1492, when they moved to Palazzo Strozzi, near the popular square now named for them. Located near the city centre, this luxury hotel is now regarded for its indulgent day spa and wellness retreat.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Hotel Savoy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Centrally located near the Piazza della Repubblica, the Hotel Savoy is one of the city\u2019s finest. In- house bistro Irene is an ideal place for lunch with its more casual approach on fine dining. Travelling children also get an adorable gingerbread man at turndown. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Montebello Splendid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This grand luxury hotel is set in a beautifully restored 18<\/span>th<\/span> century villa near the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence\u2019s historic centre. During the evening, in-house restaurant Capriccio serves traditional Tuscan fare from a candlelit terrace for a little extra romance. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Rapallo Hotel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This boutique property just might offer the very best included breakfast in Florence; a great way to kick off your day of sightseeing. Rooms reflect a more modern d\u00e9cor and some offer a private terrace with views of San Lorenzo and the Fiesole hills.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- St Regis Florence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The St Regis is located near the Arno River and many of its rooms offers spectacular views of it and Ponte Vecchio. This grand hotel has an in-house Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant Winter Garden by Caino, which is located inside a glassed in garden. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- The Westin Excelsior<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This modernised five star palace is the epitome of luxury in Florence. Set along the Arno River, you can enjoy a drink on one of the hotel\u2019s terraces with some of the best views you\u2019ll get in the city, especially from the rooftop deck bar. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Eat:<\/span><\/p>\nItalians take their food very seriously and when in Tuscany, the wine is a way of life, so there\u2019s no better place to enjoy a great meal than right here. From fine dining to the best quick bites, here are our top ten places to dine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- La Bottega del Buon Caffe<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Close to Piazza Michelangelo, this fine dining hot spot is Michelin starred and ideal for a romantic or special occasion dinner. Offering an Italian wine list from all over the country, you\u2019ll experience the best local produce paired with remarkable wines. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Sandwichic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
There are sandwiches, and then there\u2019s Sandwichic. This local eatery serves up some of the best focaccia sandwiches in Florence. Since they\u2019re reasonably low priced, it\u2019s perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or light dinner while exploring the city. If there\u2019s a queue, line up!<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Ora D\u2019Aria<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Although Michelin starred, it\u2019s the history behind Ora D\u2019Aria that\u2019s rather intriguing. For years it was located opposite historic women\u2019s prison, Le Murate. The name means \u2018hour of air\u2019 referring to the required hour of exercise. Now located near Uffizi Gallery, it continues to impress.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Il Bufalo Trippone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This is antipasti heaven. Tucked away from the tourist crowd and rather small inside, this place is for those who relish in cured meats, cheeses, foccacias, and local wines too. \u00a0The best part is that it\u2019s one of the least expensive places to dine in Florence. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Marco Ottaviano Il Gelato Gourmet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
No trip to Italy is complete without gelato and this is where the locals go as it\u2019s authentic, tasty and offers tasting of the many flavours they have on offer. They\u2019re located smack in the epicentre of the tourist area in Duomo. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Aurelio I Re del Lampredotto<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Lampredotto sandwiches were once considered a peasants dish, but are now a popular \u2018street-eat\u2019 everywhere in Florence. Made from tripe and cooked with tomato, onion and celery, the best place to try one is this food stall at Piazza Bernardo Tanucci. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Mercato Centrale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Downstairs, this market has everything a foodie could want and more, but before you fill up and stock up on treats, go upstairs. Here you\u2019ll find an always buzzing food court where you can try a bit of everything with local beers and wine too. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- La Reggia degli Etruschi<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
It\u2019s a little out of town in Fiesole, but worth the trip, guests ascend a steep cobblestone path to reach this tasty destination serving traditional Florentine cuisine. \u00a0Perfect for wine lovers with its extensive cellar, it\u2019s exclusive, romantic and the panoramic view is certainly memorable. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- I’Tuscani 2<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Located in Duomo, this is rumoured to be the best place in the city for steak lovers. Portions here are generous and with its casual atmosphere, it\u2019s an ideal dinner spot during your stay. \u00a0Make sure to sample the local wines and grappa on offer. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Trattoria Mario<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Get in when they open for lunch as this place fills with locals and tourists alike quickly. The menu offers some great local dishes including fresh pastas, tripe as well as ribollita, a thick and hearty soup made of cannellini beans and naturally, local house wines. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Drink:<\/span><\/p>\nFlorence is for wine lovers and you\u2019ll find it everywhere from secluded wine cellars to rooftop bar with views over the city. So if you\u2019re looking for a tasty vino, an aperitivo, espresso or just a cold beer at sunset, here are some of the best places to get one. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Alimentari Uffizi<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
As the name suggests, this tiny wine bar and deli is located near the Uffizi and serves some of the best antipasti platters to accompany your drinks. Most everything served here comes from the owner\u2019s family farm or is locally sourced. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- The Golden View Open Bar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Each room offers a pretty memorable view of the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. With both a restaurant and bar, it\u2019s an ideal spot to book in for aperitivo and bar snacks or go VIP and book the exclusive wine tasting session. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- La Terrazza <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
This outdoor bar on the historic side of Florence is above the Hotel Continentale and is a top spot to have a sunset beer, a cocktail or just a coffee and enjoy the views. Get in early to grab a spot, as it fills quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Caf\u00e9 Neri Ponte Vecchio<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The perfect spot to stop and enjoy a good cappuccino and cannoli; this caf\u00e9 has everything your sweet tooth could dream of, and then some as the dessert cabinet here is super-sized. Pair your coffee with a fresh pastry and enjoy them like locals-standing up. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Dolce Vita Bar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Located in the Piazza del Carmine, this swanky hotspot is great for a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine as you browse the rotating selections of artwork in the attached exhibition gallery. It\u2019s also popular after-hours when the DJ takes to the decks. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Hops Pub<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If you\u2019re keen for a traditional pub with Italian beer on tap and plenty of bottled beer from across the globe, this is your place. \u00a0You\u2019ll find big televisions with sporting games on and a mix of both tourists and locals. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- La Via del Te<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Make your way into Santa Croce to Piazza Ghiberti for this delightful tea room. They offer hundreds of tea infusions as well as tea tastings and a quirky dessert menu to match. Teas can also be boxed up and properly labelled to travel internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- The Red Garter<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
It\u2019s somewhat of a local institution and a Florence contradiction, but The Red Garter is where to go late-night when karaoke seems like a great idea and you\u2019re craving American style burgers. It\u2019s loud, crazy and there\u2019s almost always live music and plenty of laughter. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Enoteca Fuori Porta<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
After you\u2019ve savoured the view at Piazza del Michelangelo, pop in here for a celebratory drop. This wine bar has 550-600 labels available at any one time and new wines arriving frequently. Drink by the glass or bottle and enjoy the rustic bar menu <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Chianti Classico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Above the Mercato Centrale, you find a buzzing food court full of Italian fare. It\u2019s also where wine lovers can speak with winemaking experts at Chianti Classico and enjoy over 1,200 labels available to try by the glass or bottle, every day until midnight. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Shop:<\/span><\/p>\nItaly is a shopper\u2019s paradise and as you might expect, Florence offers everything from high end fashion to quality leather products, artwork and collectibles, gold jewellery, food and of course, wine. \u00a0Whatever you\u2019re looking for, here are some of the best places to find it:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Luxury brands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Italy is home of high fashion and if you\u2019re seeking designer labels like Armani, Gucci, Prada and the like, you\u2019ll find them all lined up on along Via Tornabuoni. Since the 14<\/span>th<\/span> century, this street homes the wealthier families of Florence and prices reflect that. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Fashion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
For those seeking international fashion brands such as Zara, H&M and the like visit Via Calimala and the area near Piazza della Repubblica. Italian department stores Coin and Rinascente also have a few locations around the city centre and offer popular fashion brands. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- Jewellery <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Jewellers are everywhere in Florence and Ponte Vecchio is known for its goldsmiths and jewellery craftsmen lined up across the bridge. If you\u2019re seeking something custom designed or a little bit extra-special visit the jewellers in the less touristy area of Oltrarno. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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